(064) DIFFERENCES IN EROGENOUS SENSATION AND SEXUAL SATISFACTION BETWEEN PRE- VERSUS POSTMENOPAUSAL CISGENDER WOMEN

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Menopause has been associated with a myriad of genitourinary and sexual function symptoms that revolve around changes to the vulva and vagina. The medical literature at present primarily assesses genitourinary syndromes of menopause, with limited focus on how these physiological changes to the vulva and vagina may impact sexual function and satisfaction. Objective To describe differences that exist between pre- versus postmenopausal women in erogenous sensation zone (ESZ) maps of the vulva and measured satisfaction with partnered sex. Methods Sexually active cisgender women were recruited via Qualtrics and completed an anonymous, online questionnaire. Respondents viewed anatomic illustrations of the vulva with nine predefined areas and were instructed to select structures that bring them pleasure when touched during sex with a partner. A map of erogenous sensation of the vulva was then created based on the number of respondents selecting each structure. Respondents also completed the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale (NSSS), a 20-item psychometric survey that assesses sexual satisfaction with partnered sex on a 5-point Likert scale, with potential scores ranging from 20 (minimal sexual satisfaction) to 100 (maximum sexual satisfaction). Results Pre- and postmenopausal women were equally as likely to select at least one ESZ of the vulva (77% premenopausal women vs 81% postmenopausal women, p=0.4). The vaginal introitus, peri urethra, and clitoris were the three most frequently selected structures out of the nine ESZs of the vulva out of all respondents (Figure 1). Assessment for differences in selection between pre- and postmenopausal women for each structure revealed that significantly more premenopausal women selected the clitoris as erogenous (43% vs 32%, p<0.03). There was no statistically significant difference in the other vulvar ESZs. With respect to partnered sexual satisfaction (as measured by the NSSS), there was no statistically significant difference between groups. Premenopausal women reported an average NSSS score of 69 out of 100 and postmenopausal women 67 out of 100 (p=0.3). Conclusions While premenopausal women were significantly more likely to report the clitoris as erogenous as compared to postmenopausal women, there was no significant difference between groups in erogenous mapping of the eight other vulvar structures. This finding of reduced clitoral erogeneity is supported by the phenomenon of vulvovaginal atrophy, which is associated with the reduction in estrogen and other sex steroids that occurs during menopause. While menopause has been associated with sexual dysfunction, we found no statistically significant difference in self-reported satisfaction with partnered sexual activities. Disclosure No.